In November 2020, the UK government announced a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel-powered cars and vans from 2030. However, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said some hybrids will still be allowed.
The upcoming ban is part of what Johnson terms a ‘green industrial revolution’ to combat climate change and create jobs in industries such as nuclear energy. It will bring some noticeable changes to the motoring world, so here we try to answer some questions you may have, including why the ban is happening and how it will impact you.
Why is the ban taking place?
The ban on petrol and diesel cars is part of the government’s broader commitment to reducing carbon dioxide emissions to zero by 2050; reducing tailpipe emissions is viewed as a large part of this plan.
For those in favour of the internal combustion engine, a ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars might sound extreme. However, with the sale of electric vehicles rapidly increasing, many motor industry experts view the ban as putting an end to a technology already on its way out.
In 2020, battery-operated electric car sales increased by over 160%. This extraordinary figure was against the backdrop of COVID-19, which saw some of the lowest new vehicle sales in memory. So in a ‘normal’ year, it is reasonable to estimate that those figures could have been higher.
What about hybrids?
So will hybrid, part petrol/ diesel and part electric vehicles be banned too? The answer is no. Although petrol and diesel cars are viewed as the most significant problem now, hybrid cars won’t be far behind; 2035 will see the sale of hybrid vehicles outlawed. Whilst this won’t mean you have to scrap your hybrid, you won’t be able to buy them from a dealer.
What will replace petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles?
Battery electric vehicles (EVs) will replace petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles. Powering up an EV is more like switching on a light than starting an engine; sizable lithium-ion batteries and motors that drive the wheels replace traditional engines.
Will you be able to buy second-hand petrol or diesel cars after the ban?
The ban only applies to new diesel and petrol cars, so you will still be able to buy and sell traditionally fuelled vehicles, and the same applies to hybrids after 2035.
However, expect petrol and diesel cars to be worth a lot less. Although there will be many deals on petrol and diesel stock as the ban approaches, it’s fair to assume there will be many incentives to swap to electric vehicles after the ban’s implementation.
How will the ban affect you?
The ban will only affect the sale of new fossil-fueled vehicles, so you won’t have to get rid of your petrol or diesel car after 2030 and hybrid vehicle after 2035.
The ban only refers to the sale of new vehicles, so classic car owners won’t need to think about scrapping their cars.
In addition, the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) have confirmed that the 2030 petrol and diesel car ban won’t include fossil fuel-powered motorbikes; they will still be purchasable beyond 2030.
How can Assington Autos help you?
If you are buying an EV and looking to scrap your petrol, diesel or hybrid car, Assington Autos can help: we pay the best price for scrap and are fully trained and certified with the environment agency. Get an instant quote here.
